Ttocs is Awe

Natrelmon: From the Ashes

Malice was all around him, Samuel knew. Rook was slightly behind him, with Night pulling up the rear. It seemed as if Night's tome hadn't said anything else about the interior of Rabena. They were all stumbling through the darkness together. The fog smelled vaguely of old char, as if something had been burned here long ago. Slowly, Samuel followed Albion as its faint light led the way.

Suddenly he was aware that his dragon had halted. Continuing forward, he found himself at a wall, a large black gate set in its ancient stones. As his eyes scanned the great monolithic barrier, he started to feel a prickling in his neck. A slight flash of light in the corner of his eye prompted him to look to his left. There was nothing there, but another flash turned his head again. Soon, he began realizing that there were dozens of hungry yellow eyes staring out from the wall, all staring directly at him. Never did they stay in his direct sight; every time Samuel moved his head, the eyes flitted into darkness, moving always to the edge of his view. His heart began to race and he could feel sweat rolling down his face.

He turned to inquire Rook and Night about the eyes, but he realized with a start that he was alone in the fog. Spinning, he found that Albion and Lancelot were both gone as well. "Albion! Lancelot! Rook, Night! Anyone!" he called out as loudly as he could.

As if he had stepped into an anthill, his yells seemed to awaken the eyes. Suddenly he was surrounded by blurs of black and gold. Huge Yata-garasu screamed at him and raked his face with sharp talons. He cried out and raised his large arms to shield his face from the scratching Natrelmon. Unable to stand with all the attacks coming his way, Samuel fell to one knee, crying out in pain. As he struggled to protect himself, he started to hear the voices.

Death is all that awaits you here. Toran was your fault. You should have stopped them. You’re no better than Galven. You couldn’t beat Takai. You will never beat Takai. You should have died there that day. "Stop it, stop it, please!" he cried out.

Suddenly he was aware of a warm touch on his shoulder. He yelled out in surprise and fell onto his back. His eyes uncovered, he found his Lancelot standing over him, an armored hand extended. Albion rested on Lancelot's shoulder, looking down at Samuel. Blinking his eyes, Samuel looked around. He found Rook and Night both standing there, looking at him. Glancing up, he caught sight of a single Yata-garasu perched on a stone gargoyle, its black and gold plumage framing its crimson eyes, staring down at him. As their gazes met, the Yata-garasu gave a single caw and took off into the fogs.

Samuel pulled himself to a sitting position and closed his eyes. It was only a vision. A mirage. An evil apparition that was the result of this wicked placed. Nothing more. Samuel crossed his legs, clasped his fists together, and took a deep breath through his nose, focusing on inhaling the color white. After holding it for a brief moment, he exhaled, focusing on releasing the color black. He felt a warm from within as a fell chill left his body. He repeated this twice more before opening his eyes once again.

Standing in a swift motion, he let out a deep sigh. "I'm alright. Best we carry on quickly." Lancelot gave him an inquisitive look, to which he simply nodded. Lancelot nodded in return, adjusting the grip on its longsword.

Natrelmon: From the Ashes

Samuel arrived at Rabena because let's get this fucking thing going please jesus fuck

It was dark and foreboding, and Samuel felt a great sense of malice coming from within. It was overwhelming, even to a mind not opened by gishiki. He felt his hair standing on end, and not because of the cold weather. The darkness that pervaded the surrounding countryside was a testament to whatever evil resided within. He shuddered.

As Eien reorganized the groups, Samuel found himself separated with Rook and his good friend Night. It was a good group, both of them being very capable Trainers of their own accord. "We should probably keep a Natrelmon or two out ourselves," he said as Eien released his Ohitsuji and disappeared into the fogs. Samuel quickly decided on his two Light-types. The darkness here worried him, and what better way to ward darkness than beings of light? Albion zoomed around the heads of Night and Rook excitedly, but Lancelot stood tense and at the ready, its brilliant white sword shining and illuminating the area around them.

"Let's go," Samuel said sharply before taking point and leading the way into the fogs, Lancelot at his side and Albion fluttering a few feet in front, its natural light revealing the path.

Natrelmon: From the Ashes

Samuel stepped through Eien's portal, amazed at the utility of the Natrelmon he had caught. It seemed as if all the Trainers here were becoming masters in their own right. He was suitably impressed as he exited Toran and entered Orin. Albion zoomed through, keeping close to his ear, and Atrixus fluffed its feathers slightly at the sudden climate change.

It was much colder here in Orin, and much windier. Samuel had never been this far east in his life. The city was flat, and through the buildings he could see huge forests surrounding the city. The way the tall pines swayed, it was obvious that they blocked much of the wind. Despite that, the chill was fairly great within the city. Samuel didn't mind it; he had grown up in Relin wearing simple tunics. Some of the others might feel it more, and he felt Atrixus' body warm on his shoulder as it breathed a small puff of flame.

He listened intently as Eien spoke, giving commands as to splitting into two groups. That was probably wise, as multiple teams would be able to cover more ground. He nodded politely at the man he assumed was Kal and at the tall, pale young woman named as Chyou as they were named. She was eerie-looking, and almost as tall as he was, though she was of a slender build. Her piercing eyes and long nodachi slung across her back gave her an imposing visage. She looked more than capable of handling herself.

"All right," he said as Eien and the other group moved off. "I'm Samuel Talm," he said in way of introduction to the two unknowns. "We best head down sooner rather than later. Is everyone ready?"

Natrelmon: From the Ashes

Sup.